Microsoft seems more than willing to spend its time on developing software for Apple’s iOS platform, despite it being a direct competitor to its Windows Phone operating system. Why? We don’t know. But we like it.

Especially when the company throws up gems like Kinectimals. My kids love this game on the Xbox 360, which takes advantage of Microsoft’s Kinect accessory, and now it’s available for the iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad.

Kinectimals on iOS allows you to visit the island of Lemuria where you can “play with, care for and fall in love with your very own cub.”

Bring your pet with you wherever you go! If you’ve already experienced Kinectimals on Kinect for Xbox 360, your phone becomes the key to unlocking five new cubs on your console. Stand-alone mobile game features Kinectimals’ signature visual quality, delightful animation and brand new ways to play with your cub!

The $2.99 release is identical to that which debuted on Windows Phone a few months ago, but we certainly weren’t expecting to see it on iOS. Having said that, Microsoft has certainly been spending a lot of effort on iOS apps in recent weeks. In addition to Kinectimals, the company has released My Xbox LIVE, Halo Waypoint, and Microsoft OneNote for the iPad.